Iran-US Nuclear Talks Canceled, Says Omani Foreign Minister
Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi announced on Saturday that the sixth round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States, originally scheduled to take place on Sunday, would not take place.
In a post on X, Busaidi added that diplomacy and dialogue remain the only pathway to lasting peace.
"The Iran-US talks scheduled to be held in Muscat this Sunday will not now take place. But diplomacy and dialogue remain the only pathway to lasting peace," Busaidi said.
This development comes after Israel's recent strikes on the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
What US adults think about Pope Leo XIV, according to new AP-NORC poll
Just over a month after Pope Leo XIV became the first US-born pontiff in the history of the Catholic Church , a new poll shows that American Catholics are feeling excited about their new religious leader. About two-thirds of American Catholics have a "very" or "somewhat" favourable view of Pope Leo, according to the new survey from The Associated Press-NORC Centre for Public Affairs Research, while about 3 in 10 don't know enough to have an opinion. Very few Catholics - less than 1 in 10 - view him unfavourably. Among Americans overall, plenty of people are still making up their minds about Pope Leo. But among those who do have an opinion, feelings about the first US-born pope are overwhelmingly positive. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like You Might Want To Buy Baking Soda In Bulk After Reading This Read More Undo The survey found that 44 per cent of US adults have a "somewhat" or "very" favourable view of Pope Leo XIV. A similar percentage say they don't know enough to have an opinion, and only about 1 in 10 see him unfavourably. As he promises to work for unity in a polarised church, Americans with very different views about the future of the church are feeling optimistic about his pontificate. Live Events Terry Barber, a 50-year-old Catholic from Sacramento, California, hopes Leo will seek a "more progressive and modern church" that is more accepting of all. "I'm optimistic. Certainly, the first pope from the United States is significant," said Barber, who identifies as a Democrat. "Since he worked under the previous pope, I'm sure he has similar ideas, but certainly some that are original, of his own. I'm looking forward to seeing what, if any changes, come about under his leadership." Bipartisan appeal About half of Democrats have a favourable view of the new pope, as do about 4 in 10 Republicans and independents. Republicans are a little more likely than Democrats to be reserving judgment. About half of Republicans say they don't know enough to have an opinion about the pope, compared to about 4 in 10 Democrats. Republicans, notably, are no more likely than Democrats to have an unfavourable opinion of the pope. About 1 in 10 in each group view Pope Leo unfavourably. Victoria Becude, 38, a Catholic and Republican from Florida, said she's excited about the first US-born pope and hopes he can steer the country back to Catholic doctrine and make Americans proud. "I'm rooting for him," she said. "I hope that America can get back to faith, and I hope he can do that." Being a political liberal or conservative, of course, isn't the same thing as identifying as a liberal or conservative Catholic. But the poll found no discernible partisan gap among Catholics on Pope Leo, and Catholics across the ideological spectrum have expressed hope that Leo will be able to heal some of the divisions that emerged during the pontificate of his predecessor, Pope Francis. Pope Leo recently criticised the surge of nationalist political movements in the world as he prayed for reconciliation and dialogue - a message in line with his pledges to make the Catholic Church a symbol of peace. Before becoming pope, Cardinal Robert Prevost presided over one of the most revolutionary reforms of Pope Francis' pontificate by having women serve on the Vatican board that vets nominations for bishops. He also has said decisively that women cannot be ordained as priests. Donald Hallstone, 72, a Catholic who lives in Oregon, said he expects that Leo will continue to promote women in governance positions "at a time when there's a shortage of priests" and other leaders in the church. "It'd be great to see women in those roles," he said. "Women were not excluded in the first centuries." On the other hand, some right-wing US Catholics hope Leo will focus on Catholic doctrinal opposition to same-sex marriage and abortion. Becude, the Republican, said she's against same-sex relationships because she believes that unions should be between a man and a woman, something that Pope Leo has reiterated. Even though she describes herself as "very conservative," though, she's in favour of reproductive rights even when church teaching opposes abortion. "I don't believe that they should stop women from having abortions," she said. "We should have our own rights because you don't know the circumstances behind the reason why a woman would want the abortion in the first place." Few have negative views - yet There's plenty of room for views to shift as Leo's agenda as pope becomes clear. Not all Americans have formed an opinion of the new pope yet; particularly, members of other religious groups are more likely to be still making up their minds. About half of born-again Protestants, mainline Protestants, and adults with no religious affiliation don't know enough to have an opinion about the pope, although relatively few - about 1 in 10 - in each group have an unfavourable view of him. Older Americans - who are more likely to identify as Catholics - are also more likely than younger Americans to be fans of Leo's. About half of Americans ages 60 and older have a favourable view of Pope Leo, compared to about 4 in 10 Americans under 30. But even so, only about 1 in 10 US adults under 30 have an unfavourable view of the pope right now. Mercedes Drink, 31, is from the pope's hometown of Chicago. She still hopes that women will become ordained under his pontificate. "It's cool; I like him because he brings something different," said Drink, who lives in Minnesota and identifies as being part of the "religious nones" - atheists, agnostics, or nothing in particular. "As a young woman, I hope that he can bring change ... considering who he is, he brings something new to the table. I hope he opens the world's eyes to modernising the church, bringing more people in, having more diversity."
Mint
an hour ago
- Mint
Ajit Ranade: West Asia's upheaval intensifies India's challenges of geopolitics
Next Story Ajit Ranade The Israel-Iran war will make it harder for New Delhi to navigate global turbulence even as an oil flare-up poses a threat. But it could also spur domestic policy changes—in favour trade diversification, for example—that strengthen our economy. The fallout of the hostilities: Over a hundred people already killed, cities plunged into fear, critical infrastructure damaged and diplomacy left in the rubble. Gift this article The world crossed a dangerous threshold on 13 June. Israel attacked Iran, targeting nuclear facilities, military bases and even residential zones in order to kill top military leaders and nuclear scientists. Israel sees a nuclear-armed Iran as an existential threat and says that Iran's uranium enrichment programme had reached a point where a nuclear weapon was just weeks away. The world crossed a dangerous threshold on 13 June. Israel attacked Iran, targeting nuclear facilities, military bases and even residential zones in order to kill top military leaders and nuclear scientists. Israel sees a nuclear-armed Iran as an existential threat and says that Iran's uranium enrichment programme had reached a point where a nuclear weapon was just weeks away. The enrichment, while in violation of Iran's commitment to complying with nuclear safeguards, as noted recently by the United Nations' watchdog, was still nowhere close to weapons grade, as per US experts. Hence Israel's unprovoked attack was a big shocker. Israel so far had stopped short of full-scale war, preferring sabotage, cyber-attacks and targeted killings. But now Israel has crossed a line of no return for itself, Iran and the world. Iran launched a counter attack with over 200 ballistic missiles. It aimed at more than 150 Israeli targets that included nuclear sites and residential zones. Also Read: Javier Blas: An Israel-Iran war may not rattle the oil market The fallout of the hostilities: 130 people already killed, cities plunged into fear, critical infrastructure damaged and diplomacy left in the rubble. This escalation by Israel into war has upended Middle Eastern geopolitics. What was once a high-stakes diplomatic standoff has now escalated into a military confrontation. This will likely spiral up, notwithstanding global voices for restraint. From a statement of US President Donald Trump, it is obvious that Israel had tacit American support, with all its military might. He has been drawn into making a choice that he would have rather avoided: i.e., choosing between playing peacemaker and backing Israel solidly. On the other hand, all the Gulf states have condemned Israel's strike. But some like Saudi Arabia and the UAE might be quietly relieved at Iran's weakened position. Riyadh is Tehran's rival in a quest for regional dominance. China has stayed pointedly silent. Iran is central to its energy security and infrastructure ambitions for the Belt and Road Initiative, but Israel is also a key technology partner. Maybe China wants to position itself as a non-interventionist peacemaker, striking a contrast with unconditional support by the US for Israel, the aggressor. This Middle East distraction for Washington can work to China's advantage, as it gains manoeuvring space to flex muscle on Taiwan and in the wider Indo-Pacific. Russia had asked for an immediate Security Council meeting and resolution, knowing full well that the US will stonewall it with a veto. Hence its condemnations have lacked force. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), of which India is a member, has condemned Israel's attack, but India has carefully distanced itself from the SCO's common statement. Europe is alarmed by Israel, but not sympathetic to Iran, given the latter's record on enrichment. These actions of various international players reveal a global system where major powers are acting increasingly based on narrow transactional interests rather than any shared security architecture. It has injected fresh volatility into an already fragile global order. Israel has America's political, military and diplomatic support, whereas no major power is unequivocally with Iran. At most, it has ambivalent, conditional or weak support from various quarters. Non-state actors that could have aided it, such as Hezbollah and the Houthis, have been weakened. Hence, Tehran's resilience will be tested and it might resort to desperate measures. It has threatened strikes on the military bases of Israel's allies. These include US bases. It has also drawn attention to another lever of high-impact force with a threat to bar the movement of oil through the Strait of Hormuz, from where 20% of the world's oil flows. Meanwhile the Ali Khamenei administration is facing strong opposition at home, which Israel has sought to exploit. Instability in West Asia affects India deeply, for the stakes are immediate and structural. Some 60% of India's crude oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz. We have 8 million citizens in the Gulf region. Oil prices above $100 will worsen inflation, widen the current account deficit, hasten the rupee's fall and strain the fiscal deficit. Last year net inbound foreign direct investment (FDI) was almost negligible. Investors will now adopt a wait- and-watch attitude, thus hurting our growth prospects. New Delhi has to balance its energy security and Chahabar interests in Iran with its tech and defence partnership with Israel. It cannot remain silent on Israel's attack on Iran sovereignty because that would seem like moral abdication. This is the third such conflict where India finds itself locked in a narrow diplomatic navigation route and forced into a tight balancing act. Can New Delhi publicly and strongly condemn Russia in Ukraine? Can it condemn Israel's ongoing treatment of people in Gaza? It has to protect its strategic autonomy, while remaining a credible power with aspirations to UN Security Council membership and great power status. India's response reflects preference for non-alignment and quiet diplomacy. Also Read: Israel's war on Iran to hit Indian workforce India's foremost priority is the domestic economy, given our vulnerability to commodity prices, oil, exchange rates and investment flows. We cannot count on discounted Russian crude, not least because of the likely US reaction. Our free trade agreement with the UK will kick in next year, and a treaty with the US is uncertain. The big rate cut by the Reserve Bank surprised the market, but now in hindsight seems like a great pre-emptive strike. A large monetary stimulus will be useful ahead of signs of economic weakening. There is also massive liquidity injection. Prior to the present conflict, the 2025-26 GDP growth estimate of 6.5% was the lowest in four years. It might get worse, along with world growth, as even the World Bank's Global Economic Prospects points out. India's private sector investment-to-GDP ratio has been stagnating at 10% for a decade. A recent government survey of private sector capital expenditure intentions points to a decline this year. The government will have to keep up public capex to provide a growth impetus, as it has done in the past four years. On FDI, we must think creatively, as we need at least 2% of GDP on a net basis. New Delhi must revisit its stance on Chinese investment to allow it at least in non-sensitive sectors, such as automotive products (especially electric vehicles), infrastructure and renewable energy. Chinese exports can use Indian value chains. In the medium term, we need to diversify our energy sources and export markets. Our services export boom must go beyond Western customers. And, of course, we need a great thrust on building human capital, skilling and research. Paradoxically, the West Asian crisis might be an opportunity for India to emerge stronger with a bigger stature. The author is senior fellow with Pune International Centre. Topics You May Be Interested In Catch all the Business News, Market News, Breaking News Events and Latest News Updates on Live Mint. Download The Mint News App to get Daily Market Updates.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
an hour ago
- Business Standard
Three-nation tour opportunity to thank countries for support to India: PM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday embarked on a three-nation tour—his first overseas trip since the Pahalgam terror attacks and India's subsequent missile strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan. The visit includes stops in Canada, where he will attend the G7 Summit, and in Cyprus and Croatia. The tour is scheduled to conclude on June 19. Over the next few days, will be visiting Cyprus, Canada and Croatia to attend various programmes, including bilateral meetings and multilateral engagements. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 15, 2025 Canada visit may help 'reset' strained ties In Canada, Modi is expected to engage in dialogue aimed at 'resetting' bilateral ties, which have been strained over the activities of Khalistani extremists in recent years. Intelligence sharing and other areas of cooperation are likely to be discussed. He is also expected to meet US President Donald Trump and other leaders of G7 member nations. The last Modi-Trump meeting took place in Washington in February, shortly after Trump assumed office. Focus on West Asia, AI, energy and global disruptions As per the Prime Minister's departure statement, the G7 Summit is likely to focus on the evolving situation in West Asia, particularly the Iran-Israel conflict and the Russia-Ukraine war. According to the Indian government, discussions will also cover 'crucial global issues, including energy security, technology and innovation, particularly the AI-energy nexus and Quantum-related issues'. The economic fallout of US tariffs may also surface during deliberations. 'This three-nation tour is also an opportunity to thank partner countries for their steadfast support to India in our fight against cross-border terrorism, and to galvanise global understanding on tackling terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,' Modi said. Global South, 50th anniversary of G7 in focus Modi is attending the G7 at the invitation of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. He said the summit would provide a platform for discussions on global issues and priorities of the Global South. It will be Modi's first visit to Canada in 10 years. He is scheduled to land in Calgary on Monday after his stop in Cyprus. Strengthening India-Cyprus ties, message to Turkiye Calling Cyprus a 'close friend and an important partner in the Mediterranean and EU', Modi is scheduled to meet the President of Cyprus, address business leaders, and discuss the India-Middle East Economic Corridor (IMEC). The visit also carries strategic undertones. Cyprus's decades-old dispute with Turkiye, and Ankara's support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, add diplomatic weight to Modi's visit to Nicosia. India–Cyprus bilateral trade stood at $136.96 million in FY24. Cyprus ranks among India's top 10 investors, with cumulative investments of $14.65 billion between April 2000 and March 2025, according to DPIIT estimates. First-ever PM visit to Croatia In the final leg of the tour, Modi will travel to Croatia—marking the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country. India and Croatia enjoy cooperation across trade, investment, defence, and agriculture. Bilateral trade is approximately $300 million. Indian investments in Croatia total $48 million, while Croatian investments in India are around $6 million. India's 12th G7 participation, Modi's 6th This year marks the 50th anniversary of the G7. Although India is not a member, this is its 12th participation and Modi's 6th in the summit's Outreach Sessions. Key themes expected to be discussed include countering foreign interference, tackling transnational crime, ensuring energy security, accelerating the digital transition, securing critical mineral supply chains, and leveraging AI and quantum computing to boost growth.
